Circular welding torch tip

ABSTRACT

An adjustable fit for torch head includes a hollow ring or circular body; an elongated tube or stem. The fit for torch head in different sizes which easily attached to an existing torch head leading to a circular piece at the end of the tube that opens like a jaw.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not applicable

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

MICROFICHE

Not applicable

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a torch that is especially adapted for use in heating and soldering operations in very tight spaces, for example, heating pipes or other tubular members and more particularly to the circular torch tip used with an existing torch body.

(2) Background of the Invention

Various devices and apparatus and methods have been known and used heretofore for concentrically and radially aligning and welding together tubular metal components, such as metal pipe or tubing and a tubular or annular metal flange member, or two metal pipes or tubings. However, such prior apparatus and methods have been subject to a number of disadvantages and objectionable features among which are one or more of the following: (1) they have been slow in operation and the apparatus required has been complicated and expensive to manufacture and time-consuming and costly in use; or (2) they have required the use of complicated fixtures and the use of two workmen, namely, one workman to hold the fixture while a second workman does the preliminary or tack-welding of the two tubular metal components; or (3) they have required the use of a separate tubular member for blowing a stream of argon or other inert gas into the weld area from outside the tubular metal components during the preliminary or tack-welding operation to insure an oxide-free preliminary or tack-weld; or (4) they have not been able to assure complete and accurate concentric and radial alignment of the contiguous or abutting end wall portions of the tubular metal components prior to the preliminary or tack-welding operation and the main welding operation with the result that the weld joints thus made have frequently resulted in imperfect welds including cracks or fissures and other imperfections.

Moreover, it has been found that tubular metal components, such as metal pipes or tubings, or a metal pipe or tubing and a tubular or annular flanged member to be welded thereto, may vary significantly in diameter such as, for example, an eighth of an inch (⅛″), or more, from their specified diameters, and if two metal components having such variations in diameter, and which are to be welded together, are not properly concentrically and radially aligned before they are welded together the weld joint between them may be imperfect and have cracks or fissures or other imperfections therein.

The concept of welding circumferentially around stationary pipes using a rotating welding apparatus has been known in the art for some time. Examples of such prior art systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,084,739 issued April 1978 to Wisconsin Centrifugal, Inc.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,755,568 issued May 1998 to Smith Equipment Manufacturing Company, LLC; U.S. Pat. No. 4,414,041 issued November 1983 to Rusk, Richard W; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,744,748 issued May 1988 to Wingaersheek Division Of Victor Equipment Company, which are among some of the patents disclosing such circular welding apparatus.

Flame stability and accurate direction of the flame are important considerations in such torch tips, especially since such torch tips are typically used in tight quarters where access to the object to be acted upon is difficult, and burning of objects in close proximity to the object being heated must be avoided.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a circular adjustable fit for torch head including a multi flame torch tip that exhibits improved flame stability and flame direction accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a new and relatively simple apparatus and method for concentrically aligning and welding together tubular metal components, such as a metal pipe or tubing and a tubular or annular flange member, or two or more metal pipes or tubings.

Another object of this invention is to provide a new adjustable fit for torch head for heating substantially the entire outer peripheral surface of a tubular member at the same time, including the side that is not visible when in cramped quarters.

A further object of this invention is to provide an adjustable fit for torch head to focus concentrated heat directly to a tubular metal member with minimal residual flame and to minimize the chance of burning surrounding components and cabinetry.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable fit for torch head in different sizes which easily attached to an existing torch head leading to a circular piece at the end of the tube that opens like a jaw.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an adjustable fit for torch head, which is relatively simple and inexpensive in construction and can be readily manipulated by a single workman or welder.

In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein: FIG.1 is a perspective view of an adjustable fit for the torch head with the circular hollow frame according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that the embodiments may be combined, or that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural, logical and electrical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

As shown in FIG. 1, the an adjustable fit for a torch head with a hollow ring or circular body shown includes a generally elongated tube or stem which may be of stainless steel material. A circular head having a plurality of symmetrically arranged burners on the planar face thereof. This circular portion opens and closes like a jaw and distribute heat.

The torch includes a longitudinally elongated tubular stem which at its rear end mounts attaches to a suitable fuel gas source and at its other end existing torch head leading to a circular piece at the end of the tube that opens like a jaw. The tube contributes to the invention by being able to attach to the existing torch head. Furthermore, suitable fuel gases use with the torch include acetylene, propane and MAPP. Suitable oxygen sources include pure oxygen and air.

The adjustable torch is made of a rigid metal that retains its shape during normal use. Advantageously, the torch is made of strong material providing the desired strength and isolating the head from the torch head and handle during operation.

Thus, it may be seen that the simple structure of the present invention facilitates quick and accurate cutting of pipes in desired patterns. The adjustable torch tip is mainly available in different size heads, which easily attached to the variety of pipes. In addition, the present invention obtains results with a simple but extremely effective manner and its structure maintaining the cutting torch in a desired orientation to the workpiece or pipe. Also, the longitudinal stem may be most any length, or even be flexible in portions to allow for the circular torch to be manipulated and moved in free motion that is independent and separate from the source of propane gas or oxygen tank.

It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.

While the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements to the embodiments described above are possible. It is contemplated that these variations, modifications, additions and improvements fall within the scope of the invention. 

We claim:
 1. An adjustable fit for torch head comprising: a hollow ring or circular body; an elongated tube or stem.
 2. The fit of the torch head of claim 1, wherein said circular head having a plurality of symmetrically arranged burners on the planar face thereof.
 3. The fit of the torch head of claim 1, wherein said elongated tube is made up of stainless steel material.
 4. The fit of the torch head of claim 1, wherein said elongated tubular stem at its rear end mounts attaches to a suitable fuel gas source.
 5. The fit of the torch head of claim 1, wherein said fuel gases use with the torch include acetylene, propane and MAPP.
 6. An adjustable fit for torch head comprising: a hollow ring or circular body; an elongated tube or stem.
 7. The fit of the torch head of claim 6, wherein said fit is available in different size heads, which easily attached to the variety of pipes.
 8. The fit of the torch head of claim 6, wherein said fit facilitates quick and accurate cutting of pipes in desired patterns. 